Published on Jul 14, 2025
Arsenal are on the verge of sealing the signing of Viktor. Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with the striker’s agent currently in London to finalize the details of a deal worth €63.5 million plus add-ons. The Swedish forward is expected to sign a five-year contract and undergo a medical in the coming days, with an official unveiling likely before the club departs for their preseason tour.
The move marks a crucial step in strengthening a position that proved problematic throughout the 2024–25 campaign.
Arsenal played much of last season with Kai Havertz as a makeshift center-forward, and while he showed tactical versatility, he lacked the natural instincts of a true No. 9. When Havertz was injured and Gabriel Jesus struggled for fitness, Mikel Arteta had to deploy midfielders like Mikel Merino as false nines in high-stakes matches an emergency measure that underscored the need for a reliable striker.
With Gyökeres coming in, that gap is finally set to be filled with a specialist who offers both physical presence and consistent goal-scoring.
Under Arteta’s 4-3-3 setup, Gyökeres will serve as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack. His ability to play with his back to goal, stretch defenses with diagonal runs, and win aerial duels adds a new layer to the Gunners’ forward line.
While new signings like N. Madueke will look to cut inside from wide areas and create space, Gyökeres’ movement and hold-up play will allow players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Gabriel Jesus to operate with more freedom. The team has often lacked a traditional target man to pin defenders in the final third Gyökeres brings that quality without compromising the pressing demands Arteta expects from his forwards.
With the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup fixtures on the horizon, depth and rotation will be critical. Gyökeres will offer Arsenal a consistent first-choice striker, while allowing players like Jesus, Havertz, and Trossard to rotate between supporting roles or wide positions depending on the opponent.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have also addressed their backline by signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. The 20-year-old center-back arrives in a €15 million deal (plus €5 million in potential add-ons) and brings both athleticism and composure. He will slot in as a direct backup to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, adding depth and long-term potential to a defensive unit that at times relied heavily on its starting duo last season.
With Hasan Cetinkaya (Gyökeres’ agent) now in London, Arsenal are finalizing personal terms and the remaining deal structure. Once the medical is completed, the club is expected to announce the striker officially likely before their next preseason friendly.
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